American Handgunner March/April 2012 Digital Edition - Page 32

CARRYOPTIONS from classics to cutting edge in carry methods sammy reese CCW Breakaways or the last 12 or so years, I’ve had a J-Frame or similar-sized pistol riding in my pocket holster. Please, no hate mail about only having a small revolver and a few speed strips. It’s better than a pocketknife, challenge coin and some pocket lint, and was a good backup gun on duty. My struggle as a fan of pocket carry is due to the inconsis- These AcTuAlly Work! F tency in how pants are made. I’ve gone back to the store to buy the same brand and style of my favorite jeans, only to find the pocket dimensions changed. Trying to get my gun out turns me into a monkey with his hand caught in the jar holding the peanut. All the monkey has to do is let go and he’s free, but in my case I can’t let go — if I don’t get the gun out, I’m in deep trouble. ccw breakaways’ own “in-use” pics show it best. that’s a full-sized Glock there and it not only hides it, it’s comfortable and lightning fast. NeW ThiNkiNg J ay French, founder of CCW Breakaways, has been trying for 30 years to find the best way to carry a concealed handgun. For him, the mode of carry must be concealable, comfortable and fast into action. To meet this triad of requirements, he designed what he terms as “pants with a Holster-pocket.” The Holsterpocket is fully adjustable and reinforced in order to hold the largest of pistols. Body type varies, so, because of that, the ability to be concealed yet still remain comfortable will determine how big a gun you carry. The ultimate goal was to have users view the Holster-pocket as a gun accessory, not a garment. This I had to see. The process for designing CCW Breakaways was much more than finding a pant style and sewing in a Holster-pocket. Jay is a devout practitioner of personal defense; he spends many hours a week in the dojo, practicing real world selfdefense. He also dedicates a lot of time to self-defense oriented shooting. The twist is Jay always trains while wearing his CCW Breakaway pants or shorts — and soon to be released jeans. He’s extra hard on the gear and himself when training. If he’s not successful, he simply continues on and trains harder. If the CCW Breakaways fail, it’s back to the drawing board to find for a solution. The finished product I received was flawless. I immediately knew Jay made sure nothing but the best had the CCW Breakaways name on it. But I must confess, at first I thought Jay was playing a joke on me. I couldn’t find the breakaway part at the top of the pocket. I could feel and see the Holster-pocket, but the top of the pocket was so well designed and integrated, it took a second look to figure them out. And you don’t have to choose which pocket comes with the fully adjustable system; both front pockets do. When I modeled the shorts for my wife her comment was something similar to: “Who are you and what have you done with my husband?” When she saw the confused look on my face she casually responded, “Sorry babe, I’m just not used to you looking that stylish!” Ouch! Okay, so I’m not at the tip of the spear when it comes to the latest fashion trends. Jay accomplished looking good and being well armed, at the same time. In my case, I’ll probably stand out if my buddies see me, but for you fellas in tune with the latest trends, don’t worry, you’ll be stylin’. this inside-out view shows the adjustable pocket the gun rides in. you can tailor it to fit your gun and, to a certain degree, your body style. Simple O nce you have the Holsterpocket adjusted for the gun you carry, you are ready to roll. A second pocket holster isn’t needed. The design provides protection to the pistol or revolver like it’s actually in a holster. But don’t go throwing keys and junk in the pocket along with your gun, and if you don’t get that one, give me a call and I’ll “splain it” to you. The ability to have your hand on your gun, ready to go in a second, yet not look like it is, is the beauty of the Holster-pocket carry. The draw from the CCW Breakaways is very gross-motor. Grab your gun in the firing grip and the fist-making motion combined with outward pressure on the pocket pops the quickrelease snaps at the top of the pocket, freeing the gun for the rest of your draw-to-shoot or guard sequence. I performed many practice draws from as many awkward positions I could come up with, and I always managed to get the gun out. I was skeptical at first, but I’m now sold on the concept. It also doesn’t hurt that my wife thinks I look good. She’s never said any of my other holsters make me look fashionable. Go figure. * For info: www.americanhandgunner. com/ccw-breakaways 32 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL2012